STUDY OF 537 CASES OF DRUG RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS (DR TB).

Aims:- To study outcome of 537 DR TB patients. Settings and Design:- Prospective study (June 2011 to March 2016). Introduction:- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing global problem. Though therapy of DR TB is much longer and costlier than drug sensitive TB, injectable have to be taken for six months, incidence of adverse reactions is more, thus decreasing compliance, patients do improve and even are cured if the health care personnel and caregivers encourage them to adhere to treatment. Methods and Material:- All cases were confirmed to have drug resistance to INH and Rifampicin or Rifampicin alone before admission. After starting treatment in DR TB ward, they were referred to their respective TB Units. Follow up was kept through District Tuberculosis and City Tuberculosis Office, and patients who came for treatment or adverse drug reaction. Results:- Males (79.41%) outnumbered females (20.59%). 388 patients (72.25%) belonged to the age group of 15 to 44 years, 81 (16.01%) were cured, 43 (8.50%) completed treatment, 88 (17.39%) died, 80 (15.81%) defaulted, 23 were HIV positive. 34 patients (6.331%) were subsequently found to have XDR TB. Conclusions:- In this prospective study of 537 DR TB cases, 124 (24.54%) patients recovered. However 80 patients (15.81%) is a matter of serious concern. Improved compliance in sensitive cases will help to prevent drug resistance. CB NAAT has grossly decreased the time needed for diagnosing DR TB helping early initiation of treatment which can be lifesaving.